By Francesco Cautillo  

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men’s soccer team increased their win streak to four with a 4-2 victory over the Laurentian Voyageurs at Downsview Park on Saturday.

The Bold entered this match ranked fifth in the nation, following wins against the Trent University Excalibur, the Royal Military College Paladins and the Nipissing University Lakers.

After defeating Laurentian 3-2 earlier this season, head coach Filip Prostran used this opportunity to rest some of the consistent starters, including fourth-year goalkeeper Dante Ferraro and fifth-year midfielder Justin Santos.

The Voyageurs utilized the long ball, hoping to capitalize on the heat and wear out their opponents. Unfazed by this, the Bold responded with a high press, which gained them controlled possession in the wide areas.

After a barrage of corners, Laurentian found the back of the net and opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Although third-year goalkeeper Nicholas Allison made the original save, the rebound was batted in by defender Braxton Ragogna to give the Voyageurs a one goal lead.

Determined to respond, TMU gained a free-kick just outside the box. Nearly two minutes after the opener from the Voyageurs, first-year Bold midfielder Brandon Verburg equalized the match with a rebound from a free-kick.

“We work on set pieces so much,” said Verburg. “It felt good to help out the team and get back to winning.”

Now with momentum, the blue and gold were confident to take control of the game through switch crosses. One of which found the head of third-year defender Noah Bickford, who buried it behind the Laurentian keeper.

The Bold continued to attack, hoping to extend their lead and maintain the advantage over their opponents.

After first-year forward, Cyrus Rollocks danced around Laurentian defenders—his pass found second-year midfielder Sufyan Fraj, who was physically dispossessed. This came much to the displeasure of the Bold faithful in the stands, who claimed a penalty was warranted.

The first half ended with the TMU leading Laurentian 2-1.

Coming out of the half, TMU remained attack-minded, gaining a penalty shot in the 53rd minute. First-year midfielder Jamie Benayon-Abraham stepped up to the spot and slotted away for his first-ever Ontario University Athletics goal.

Prostran ensured that his squad kept their feet on the gas, with skilled chances from Rollocks and Fraj.

With the clock approaching the 70th minute and the Voyageurs in need of increased attack, the Bold began to test their skilled roster with substitutions.

“It’s a real luxury as a coach when you can dip into the roster,” said Prostran.

The battering began in the 73rd minute after second-year Nico Barros slotted in the fourth goal of the match for TMU, cementing the lead and allowing their team to prioritize the defensive side of the ball.

Despite a beautiful volley from Laurentian’s first-year forward Sam Howard, it was merely a consolation goal as TMU sustained a two goal lead.

Prostran praised both the freshmen and veteran players, saying that “the strength of this team is in its depth.”

Other than their late second goal, the Voyageur’s attack was proved ineffective, ending this goal-fest in a 4-2 victory for the Bold.

With four wins and a draw, the Bold remain undefeated in their five games at home.

UP NEXT: The Bold will return to Downsview Park on Oct. 6 for their match against the Ontario Tech University Ridgebacks. Kick-off is at 6:15 p.m.